Molded article having a wood grain-like appearance

Abstract

Disclosed is a molded article, wherein the article has at least one layer having a wood grain-like appearance, wherein the layer comprises: a) a first thermoplastic material that is selected from the group consisting of: polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), copolymers thereof, and any combinations thereof; and b) a second polymer material that is at least partially immiscible with said first thermoplastic material, in which said second polymer material is selected from the group consisting of: polyamide, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), copolymers thereof, and any combinations thereof; wherein said second polymer material has a Solubility Parameter (δ) of from about 10 (cal 1/2 cm −3/2 ) to about 20 (cal 1/2 cm −3/2 ), and a melting point of from about 194° C. to about 280° C. The present invention also relates to a mixture of masterbatches used for manufacturing the above molded articles, and a method of manufacturing the above molded articles. The present inventions provide wood grain-like appearance, while maintaining mechanical strength and barrier benefit.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A molded article, wherein the article has at least one layer having a wood grain appearance, wherein the layer comprises:
 a) from 50.0% to 99.8% by weight of a first thermoplastic material that is selected from the group consisting of: polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), copolymers thereof, and any combinations thereof; and 
 b) from 0.05% to 10% by weight of a second polymer material that is at least partially immiscible with said first thermoplastic material, in which said second polymer material is selected from the group consisting of: polyamide, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), copolymers thereof, and any combinations thereof; 
 wherein said second polymer material has a Solubility Parameter (δ) of from about 10 cal 1/2 cm −3/2  to about 20 cal 1/2 cm −3/2  , and a melting point of from about 194° C. to about 280° C.; and 
 wherein the first thermoplastic material and the second polymer material have respective melting points that differ by from about 90° C. to 110° C. 
 
     
     
       2. The molded article according to  claim 1 , wherein said first thermoplastic material is selected from the group consisting of high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), copolymers thereof, and any combinations thereof. 
     
     
       3. The molded article according to  claim 1 , wherein said second polymer material is polyamide, copolymers thereof, and any combinations thereof. 
     
     
       4. The molded article according to  claim 1 , wherein said molded article is extrusion blow molded, injection stretch blow molded, injection blow molded, or injection molded. 
     
     
       5. A molded article, wherein the article has at least one layer having a wood grain appearance, wherein the layer comprises:
 a) from 30.0% to 99.9% by weight of a first thermoplastic material that is selected from the group consisting of: polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), copolymers thereof, and any combinations thereof; and 
 b) from 0.05% to 10% by weight of a second polymer material that is at least partially immiscible with said first thermoplastic material, in which said second polymer material is selected from the group consisting of: polyamide, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), copolymers thereof, and any combinations thereof; 
 wherein said second polymer material has a Solubility Parameter (δ) of from about 10 cal 1/2 cm −3/2  to about 20 cal 1/2 cm −3/2  , and a melting point of from about 194° C. to about 280° C. 
 
     
     
       6. A molded article, wherein the article has at least one layer having a wood grain appearance, wherein the layer comprises:
 a) from 50% to 99.8% by weight of a first thermoplastic material that is selected from the group consisting of: polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), copolymers thereof, and any combinations thereof; and 
 b) from 0.01% to 30.0% by weight of a second polymer material that is at least partially immiscible with said first thermoplastic material, in which said second polymer material is selected from the group consisting of: polyamide, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), copolymers thereof, and any combinations thereof; 
 wherein said second polymer material has a Solubility Parameter (δ) of from about 10 cal 1/2 cm −3/2  to about 20 cal 1/2 cm −3/2  , and a melting point of from about 194° C. to about 280° C.